DUBOIS – The Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group was given the official designation of Main Street Community, three years ago, in 2008. Main Street, a partially state-funded initiative, directs funds into the DuBois community for economic revitalization, façade improvements, events, downtown promotions and direct assistance to businesses.
Over the past three years the Downtown Group has strived to visually enhance the downtown streetscape with projects such as the Kiosk in the Pershing Parking Lot and the Pocket Park on West Long Avenue. Also, through their Façade Improvement Grant Program, there has been a total investment $180,000.00 for façade improvements for over 30 businesses.
The Downtown Group has also brought an influx of visitors into downtown with popular events like First Friday Block Parties, Light-Up Night and the Spring Clean-Up. These events both continue old traditions while creating new traditions, enhancing the community spirit imbedded in downtown DuBois.
In order to undertake the enormity of projects throughout downtown requires a large investment from the community. As of November 2010, the Downtown Group has logged 3,590 volunteer hours since 2008. The Pennsylvania Downtown Center reports that one volunteer hour has a worth of $19.61.
Using this calculation, there has been a volunteer investment worth $70,399.90.
The greatest and most positive impact, however, does not come directly from the Downtown Group. It is the reaction of the community and the surge of private investment into the downtown. Since 2008, there has been approximately $779,262.00 in private investment downtown and a total of 74 full-time jobs added.
The Downtown Group is excited over the momentum and enthusiasm that has developed over the past three years and looks forward to what next year and the years to follow can bring to downtown. This is truly a community driven program the Downtown Group thanks everyone that has participated in the revitalization effort. The DDRG asks that you please remember to take the opportunity to step back and look at all that downtown DuBois has to offer and appreciate all the changes that have occurred and will continue to occur on into the future.
They are always on the lookout for additional volunteers for projects downtown. Please contact Karen Vanderhoff, Downtown Program Manger at 371-3064 to inquire about lending a hand!